In the First Round of the Post-Combine Mock Draft, Three Texas Longhorns Were Selected
As the NFL Combine concluded, the buzz surrounding this year’s draft class hit a new high. It’s a time when prospects undergo rigorous athletic testing, interviews, and skill evaluations, providing a clearer picture of what they might bring to the professional stage. Among the many athletes vying for a chance to make it in the NFL, a trio of Texas Longhorns emerged as some of the most highly sought-after prospects in the upcoming draft. Their performances at the Combine, along with their standout careers at Texas, have positioned them as likely first-round picks, a feat that is not only impressive for the individual athletes but also for the Texas Longhorns program, signaling a resurgence of top-tier talent from the school.
The Texas Longhorns have a rich history of producing NFL talent, and these three prospects—each with their own unique skill set—are primed to continue that tradition. This article takes an in-depth look at the three Longhorns selected in the first round of the post-combine mock draft, analyzing their strengths, what they bring to their respective positions, and how they could shape the future of the NFL.
1. Bijan Robinson – Running Back
The first Texas Longhorn selected in this mock draft is running back Bijan Robinson, who many expect to be one of the first players off the board. Robinson is widely regarded as the top running back in this class, and his stock has only risen after an impressive performance at the Combine. His blend of speed, agility, power, and vision makes him one of the most complete running back prospects in recent memory.
Combine Performance and Draft Projections
At the Combine, Robinson showcased his elite athleticism with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, along with impressive numbers in the vertical jump (39.5 inches) and broad jump (10’10”). His balance and field awareness, however, are what set him apart from the other running backs in this class. His ability to read blocks, make defenders miss, and power through tackles has made him a nightmare for defenders in college, and that will likely translate well to the next level.
Robinson’s combine performance validated what scouts had already seen on film: he has the ability to be an every-down back in the NFL. He is more than capable of handling a heavy workload, as evidenced by his 1,580 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in his final season at Texas. Moreover, Robinson is a weapon out of the backfield as a receiver, catching 19 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns in 2022. His versatility and overall skill set make him a candidate for teams looking for an all-around playmaker in the first round.
NFL Comparison
Robinson’s closest comparison is former All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley. Like Barkley, Robinson is a dynamic runner with exceptional vision, elite quickness, and the ability to turn a simple run into a game-changing play. His ability to contribute both in the running and passing game gives him a unique value in today’s NFL, where running backs are often expected to be multi-dimensional. Many teams in need of an explosive, all-purpose back, such as the Buffalo Bills or the Miami Dolphins, could consider Robinson as a franchise cornerstone.
2. Jaxson Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver
The second Texas Longhorn selected in the post-combine mock draft is Jaxson Smith-Njigba, a wide receiver who solidified himself as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class. After an outstanding 2021 season with Ohio State, where he set a school record with 1,606 receiving yards, Smith-Njigba was expected to be one of the most highly sought-after wide receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Though a hamstring injury derailed his 2022 season, he was still able to impress scouts at the Combine, demonstrating why he’s one of the top wide receiver prospects this year.
Combine Performance and Draft Projections
At the Combine, Smith-Njigba ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, which was slightly slower than some of the other wide receivers in the draft. However, his performance during the drills was where he truly stood out. His route-running ability is second to none, and his sharp cuts, quick acceleration off the line of scrimmage, and ability to create separation from defenders give him an edge in a loaded wide receiver class. His 6-foot-1 frame and 198-pound stature allow him to be both a physical presence and a smooth, agile athlete on the field.
While Smith-Njigba doesn’t have the blazing speed of some other prospects, his exceptional ability to find soft spots in zone coverage, his precise route running, and his ability to make contested catches are what will likely make him a reliable and dangerous option in the NFL. He is a polished receiver who can step in immediately and contribute at a high level for an NFL offense.
NFL Comparison
Smith-Njigba’s playing style is often compared to that of Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen. Like Allen, Smith-Njigba excels as a route technician, and his ability to get open in tight spaces and find a way to the ball is a key element of his game. He is expected to make an immediate impact at the next level, and teams with a need for a reliable slot receiver, such as the New England Patriots or the Washington Commanders, would be wise to consider him in the first round.
3. DeMarvion Overshown – Linebacker
The third Texas Longhorn selected in the post-combine mock draft is linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Overshown, a former safety turned linebacker, has been one of the most versatile players in college football. His ability to play both in the box and in coverage makes him a valuable asset for any defense looking for a hybrid linebacker. Overshown’s performance at the Combine only confirmed what scouts had already seen: he’s a fast, athletic linebacker capable of making plays in a variety of roles.
Combine Performance and Draft Projections
Overshown ran an impressive 4.56-second 40-yard dash, which is outstanding for a linebacker of his size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds). His lateral quickness and agility were on full display during position drills, as he moved fluidly and showed the ability to cover ground quickly. What sets Overshown apart, however, is his ability to cover receivers in the passing game. In an NFL where linebackers are increasingly asked to defend against both the run and pass, Overshown’s ability to cover tight ends, running backs, and even wide receivers is invaluable.
At Texas, Overshown showcased his versatility by playing in multiple defensive schemes, excelling against both the run and the pass. He finished his senior season with 95 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. His high football IQ and ability to read plays made him a key player for the Longhorns, and his upside in the NFL is tremendous given his potential to contribute in a variety of defensive schemes.
NFL Comparison
Overshown is often compared to NFL linebackers like Micah Parsons and Isaiah Simmons, who have excelled in hybrid roles, balancing their responsibilities as traditional linebackers while also playing in coverage. Teams looking for a linebacker who can be used in a variety of ways, such as the Philadelphia Eagles or the Baltimore Ravens, might see Overshown as the perfect fit for their defense.
Texas Longhorns: A Resurgence of Talent
The selection of three Texas Longhorns in the first round of the post-combine mock draft is a testament to the school’s renewed prominence in college football. Texas has always been a breeding ground for NFL talent, and with the emergence of players like Robinson, Smith-Njigba, and Overshown, the Longhorns are once again making waves on the national stage.
Robinson’s elite playmaking ability, Smith-Njigba’s precise route running, and Overshown’s hybrid versatility have each earned them a place in the first round. As NFL teams continue to prioritize speed, versatility, and skill, these three Longhorns are poised to make an immediate impact at the professional level. For Texas fans, this marks a new era of success, as the program continues to produce players capable of excelling in the NFL.
As the draft draws nearer, all eyes will be on these three athletes as they look to achieve their NFL dreams. With their outstanding performances at the Combine and their strong college careers, they are poised to be major contributors to the next generation of NFL talent.
The Texas Longhorns are back on the map, and the NFL will be watching closely as their top prospects make their mark in the first round of the draft.